There has been some renewed hope for those who suffer with Multiple Sclerosis as leading doctors have being testing a new form of stem cell treatment that has amazingly enabled some patients to walk again.
The new research which is highlighted in BBC’s Panorama programme, has shown that of the participants in the latest drugs trial a significant number of patients health has dramatically improved following the treatment. The trial which consisted of 20 people implemented a procedure which saw the group receive bone marrow transplants using their own stem cells. The revolutionary clinical trial which was conducted at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital, also found that some patients who were paralysed from the debilitating illness have been able to walk again following numerous weeks of treatment.
The news of the latest research has also been welcomed by Professor Basil Sharrack, of Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital and his team, who say: “To have a treatment which can potentially reverse disability is really a major achievement.” Prof Sharrack told the programme the new treatment known as an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) – aims to destroy the faulty immune system using chemotherapy. The patients immune system is then rebuilt with stem cells harvested from their own blood.
Meanwhile the news of the successful trials has been also welcomed by Professor John Snowden, consultant haematologist at Royal Hallamshire Hospital, who says the latest research should be deemed a major success, before adding: “It’s clear we have made a big impact on patients’ lives, which is gratifying.”
The success of the latest treatment was revealed when one patient, Steven Storey, told the programme of his story fighting the illness, Mr Storey explained: “I went from running marathons to needing 24-hour acute care. At one point I couldn’t even hold a spoon and feed myself.” “The stress of the dealing with my Illness all became to much to bare so I decided to enlist in the new trial without knowing what was going to happen, thankfully my decision was worth it as within a few days of the transplant i was able to move my toes, and after four months of treatment i could stand unaided.” However Mr Storey says he still needs a wheelchair but is astounded at what the treatment has done to his life, saying: “It’s been incredible. I was in a dire place, but now I can swim and cycle and I am determined to walk.”
Meanwhile another patient Holly Drewry aged 21 told the programme her story of how she was tragically diagnosed with the illness and how her condition significantly deteriorated after she gave birth to her daughter Isla. Ms Drewry told the programme: “Within a couple of months I got worse and worse. I couldn’t dress or wash myself; I didn’t even have the strength to carry my daughter.” Ms Drewry further explained that she constantly needed a wheelchair before her transplant, but after the treatment she miraculously walked out of hospital and without needing it again. The emotional young woman also said: “It’s been a miracle. I got my life and my independence back and the future is bright again in terms of being a mum and doing everything with Isla.” The treatment has been so effective for Ms Drewry that after two years she has had no relapses and there is no evidence of active disease on her scans.
The news of these remarkable stories has given hope to more than 100,000 people in the UK and Ireland as they currently suffer with Multiple Sclerosis, which at present is still an incurable neurological condition.